La Cité d'Alet: A Historic Stronghold

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Explore La Cité d'Alet in Saint-Malo: a historic peninsula with Gallo-Roman roots, WWII fortifications, and panoramic views of the Emerald Coast.

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La Cité d'Alet

La Cité d'Alet, located in Saint-Malo, France, is a historic site with origins dating back to the Gallo-Roman era. It features the remains of an ancient cathedral, a WWII memorial within a German blockhaus, and offers panoramic views of the Rance estuary and Dinard.

A brief summary to La Cité d'Alet

Pl. Saint-Pierre, Saint-Malo, 35400, FR

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
Consider visiting during sunset for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Visit the Mémorial 39/45 to learn about the area's WWII history.

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Getting There

Walking

From Intra-Muros (the walled city), walk towards the Bas-Sablons ferry terminal. Follow the coastal path for approximately 30 minutes. The path is well-marked. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Take bus line 1 or 2 from the Saint-Malo train station (Gare de Saint-Malo) to the Saint-Servan stop. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to La Cité d'Alet. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.70.
Taxi

From the Saint-Malo train station, a taxi to La Cité d'Alet will cost approximately €15-€20. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about La Cité d'Alet

La Cité d'Alet, situated on a peninsula overlooking the Rance estuary in Saint-Malo, is a site steeped in history, marking the original location of Saint-Malo. This area was once the Gallo-Roman city of Alet, the ancient capital of the Coriosolites, fortified as early as the 4th century. Over the centuries, La Cité d'Alet has served various strategic purposes. In 1759, a fort was constructed to bolster the defenses of the Corsair city. However, the most prominent remains are the extensive World War II German fortifications, which formed a key part of Festung St. Malo. Visitors can explore the well-preserved bunkers and gun positions, offering a glimpse into the region's wartime past. Within the fort, the Mémorial 39/45 is housed in a blockhaus, providing a detailed exhibition on the Second World War in the Saint-Malo region. The site also features the ruins of the Saint-Pierre d'Alet cathedral, dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. From La Cité d'Alet, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Saint-Malo, the Solidor Tower, Cap Fréhel, Saint-Servan, and Dinard.